Food on the Road

We've been on the road since Thursday and have enjoyed only two meals out. We eat well even on the road. The key to eating healthy and simply in camp and on the Interstate is a freezer. Both Bill and I prepped the freezer with some mouthwatering favorites before our departure; making mealtime easy and delicious. We have smoked pork, Italian beef, bbq chicken, homemade ravioli and fettuccine, our garden basil pesto and grilled pizza among the brats, bison, shrimp, salmon, veggies, fruit, bread and the all important ice cubes in the old fashioned trays. Bill even made a quart of Greek yogurt in the InstaPot for our trip. Here it is pictured with blueberries, honey and cinnamon. Yum!

San Antonio

It was nice to have a leisurely breakfast at camp before taking care of some tasks. There's nothing like exploring a new area by way of people watching at the laundromat and auto repair shop. Yes, another tire problem but we're keeping a good attitude. We had an authentic lunch at Guajillo's Shortcut to Mexico restaurant before checking out the Alamo and Riverwalk downtown. It's all good.

Guadalupe River State Park

Sunday night primitive and private Texas campground. First shower ever in the van. It was tight but refreshing. First fresh air cocktail hour this trip. Evening cooled by torrential rainfall on drive from Austin to San Antonio.

Exit 880

The tire episode called for a revised travel plan. Rather than press on to our camp reservation outside of Houston, Brazos Bend State Park, we had an abbreviated drive to Sam Houston Jones State Park in Louisiana. The park was tired, dismal and a whopping $38 a night. We encountered the worst stretch of road, random traffic patterns, and generally unpleasant scenery throughout our short journey through LA. I didn't even take a picture in the state. We're just glad to be starting the long haul through Texas Sunday morning.

Leaks

There is a design flaw in the Airstream galley sink. We've been ever mindful of a potential water disaster as a result. It happened. The air conditioner is so loud, we couldn't hear the slow flow of water. The grey water tank filled up and then backed up. We had some pumping and mopping up to do. Not a big deal, but a hassle and left unsightly water damage in one of the drawers.

The incident didn't interfere with a good night's sleep and we pulled out of camp with a slow leak in a rear dually. We learned that lots of businesses are closed on Saturday morning in MS. Luckily we were directed to Southern Tire. A bustling franchise in Biloxi. After a couple of hours in the waiting room, our tire was fixed free of charge. Go figure. It's all part of the adventure on the road.

Visitors Center and Davis Bayou

After a 22 minute movie and nature presentation about life within Gulf Islands National Seashore, I have a whole new appreciation for hurricanes replenishing life at the coastline. NC continues to be pounded by rain and winds from Hurricane Florence's landfall Friday morning. A half a million people are without power.

We bought a National Parks Passport from Davis Bayou where we enjoyed a lovely campsite and comfortable amenities. $11 a night. 😂

🎶 Miss iss ippi 🎶

This is location is a double first for us. First time in Mississippi. The Gulf Island National Seashore is our first National Park overnight with the camper van, too. Yippee!!

Hopped on the bikes to check out the town of Ocean Springs, MS. It was a hot ride in the mid-day sun. Ten miles later and back at camp the beer was so refreshing in our air conditioned van. 🍻

High Springs Florida

O'Leno State Park and River Rise is yet another beautiful campground in FL. It's one of the oldest state parks in FL, built in the 1930s. Just on the banks of the Santa Fe River in High Springs, we had a comfy, clean respite for $16 a night on Thursday. Crazy. That's the senior, FL resident rate. It couldn't possibly cover the cost of our air conditioning cranked up (down) for 14 hours.

Today, we still have about five more hours before the AL state line. That's crazy too. To think of how long and wide FL is. MS is mapped out for today's leg. Biloxi for a hike before dinner if all goes well.

Crack Pots

With the odometer at 23638, we pulled out for a western adventure with a loaded van and cracked windshield. There were several issues with the van leading up to our departure. Most were resolved except for the window. We were assured by mechanics not to worry about the crack. A windshield will be waiting in FL upon our return.

These Boots are Made for Walking

I can't wait to get these babies back on my feet. In just a few more weeks we will be heading out on a new adventure in the van. The wild west is calling and time in nature is deeply needed. Stay tuned in mid-September.

Feet Up Kind of Morning

Brickell Key was bustling with runners, although the masses seem to be sleeping in this Sunday morning. The closest breakfast joint didn't start serving eggs until 9am. We settled for croissants and cappuccino at B. Bistro and Bakery before getting comfortable poolside.

Our anniversary dinner Saturday night at throwback Mr. Chow was deliciously memorable. Celebrating 50 years in business, the Chinese restaurant was just as I remember from a NYC experience many years ago.

Transported to Another World

After a short ride through the Everglades, we arrived in jumpin' Miami. Our first call of business was to have Will's watch engraved at the Fossil store at the beautiful Dadeland Mall. On to the fabulous Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Brickell Key. With a bargain price in July, this luxurious property is just the place to celebrate 28 years of marital bliss. Nice going, husband dearest!

No Dog Sitter Needed

Sadly, we picked up Solo's ashes and headed over to Miami for a quick change of pace. It's been a tough week without our sweet companion. Today is our 28th wedding anniversary, so we'll try to have some fun in the Magic City.

Parting Shots

We had a most amazing week in MT. People said it was the best weather week in a long time. So long Paws Up! Check that off our list.

Scenes from Paws Up

Hiked around the beautiful property before the skies opened and we took to our cabin for the mountain storm Thursday.

Shaking It Up

We left our Cliffside Camp for a Meadow Home in the Paws Up Village on Tuesday morning. It comes equipped with lots of amenities including a dog and car. Dined at Pomp with the setting sun.

Nature

The days are slipping by in Montana.

Sunday Funday in Greenough

More fun with guns; rifles this time. A cooking demo, chuck wagon lunch, massage, master griller dinner extravaganza and a great bluegrass band under fireworks. Lots of "wow" moments.

Western Adventure

The Resort at Paws Up is like a summer camp for grown ups. Lots of adventurous activities. Our tent, perch above the Blackfoot River, is luxurious. The Master Griller event, featuring top chefs from around the country, adds an amazing element of food and wine fun to the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

Saturday began with leisurely breakfast, under a morning fog, at Cliff Side pavilion camp. We didn't stop running until after a 9:15 pm sunset.

ATV riding on the ranch, cooking demo and lunch at Salmon Lake by James Beard recipient, Tim Byres, then clay shooting, followed by a lovely dinner. Local fare, including elk and salmon were served.

Tent with a View

Arrived at Paw Up. Beautiful view from our tent.

Another Adventure Begins

Alligator Alley was total mayhem as we ventured to Ft. Lauderdale for quick overnight before an AM flight. The Boatyard, for martinis and dinner was the perfect start to another, yes another, getaway.

Great Vacation with my Guys

Home Sweet Home and we're all feeling super accomplished.

Lazy Day in Paradise

Candy and I hung at the pool all morning while the guys completed their final dives. After lunch at Morritt's, we all drove to Rum Point for some sightseeing and a drink. It was back to the East End for happy hour In the pool before dinner at The Italian Kitchen. Loads of fun on our last day in Grand Cayman.

27 Miles on a Rusty Huffy

With the guys out for a big boat dive Tuesday afternoon and Candy off to the spa, I took a bike from Morritt's and ended up riding on a fun adventure. After a few stops along the way, Rum Point was the end of the road.

Killing the Day

It was a beautiful sunrise on the east end. The guys had a 9am dive scheduled Monday near Seven Mile Beach, so Candy and I ventured along for the ride.

Still down with my cold, I was comforted by an amazing cup of "Feel Good" tea at South West Collective. Candy and I then browsed the shops, looking at plenty of diamonds and souvenirs with day trippers from the cruise ship in port.

We greeted our divers back at the fun dive vibe shop and enjoyed a terrific lunch at Rackhams in town.

After a harrowing ride of roundabouts and right-side-driver mayhem, a fun tasting of rum and distillation tour left us laughing like crazy at Cayman Spirits Co.

We made a nice pasta dinner at the condo and bed early. Exhausting!

Same Old, Same Old

It's all about sun, sea, food and drink in Grand Cayman. All you can eat lobster was on the menu for Saturday night at Morritt's.

The divers had a leisurely Sunday morning before heading out to Sunset House for a shore dive to see the bronze beauty, a 9 foot mermaid statue down 55 feet. Will said it was his all time favorite dive so far.

Saturday's lunch at Eagle Ray's Dive Bar lead us to Tukka's for Sunday dinner. We enjoyed waterside dining under the flip-flop tree and the pink full moon.